[DigitalToday reporter Hojeong Lee] Kakao said on Tuesday it will launch a tailored support programme worth up to 100 million won per store for 12 small food and beverage businesses in Gangwon.

The support is part of Kakao’s shared-growth programme, "Dangol Store". Kakao plans to provide tailored benefits by area through December in products, branding, commerce, marketing and sales channels for the selected stores.

The programme includes product planning consulting, training on online commerce and the use of artificial intelligence (AI), Kakao Talk Deal and entry to Makers. It also offers 3 million won in support funds for 톡채널 message sending, production of influencer collaboration content, and opportunities to take part in department store and festival pop-up stores.

Kakao previously held an open recruitment for participating stores for the programme from July 8 to 28. A total of 312 stores applied, resulting in a competition ratio of 26 to 1, and 12 were finally selected after document screening and on-site visits.

Ahead of the start of full support, Kakao held a "Dangol Store Summit" on Aug. 24 at Kakao Pangyo Agit. Attendees included officials from Kakao, the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, the Small Enterprise and Market Service and the Together Foundation, as well as representatives of the 12 selected businesses, including Seong-rae Kim (김성래), CEO of Sunmi Hangwa, and Ho-rim Lim (임호림), CEO of Yurim Delicatessen, who took time to network.

Hyun-seo Yang (양현서), performance leader for Kakao’s shared-growth business, said, "We will support each store so it can meet more regular customers beyond the local area."